O�cial Publication of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental Vol. 7 No. 2

Re-elected City Mayor Gerardo P. Valmayor, Jr., re-elected City Vice Mayor Edgardo B. Quisumbing and the May 2013 elected Sangguniang Panlungsod Members took their oath of office before Regional Trial Court Branch 59 Executive Judge Kathrine Go at the City Auditorium last June 30, 2013.

Present during the ceremony were re-elected Negros Occidental 1st District Representative Jules A. Ledesma IV, Vice-Governor elect and former San Carlos City Mayor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson, and re-elected 1st District Board Member Renato Y. Gustilo.

In his inaugural address City Mayor Valmayor underscored the development and progress his administration has brought to the city especially in the field of education, infrastructure, solid waste management, water, and the construction of roads in far-flung areas to boost agriculture and the local economy.

He also cited the awards and citations the city government has amassed through the efforts of all concerned local government department heads whose offices excelled in service. He pointed out that the city was able to pull through all its big projects and achievements at its own expense cleanly without any debt from any financial institution and has maintained its

San Carlos City gained another Plaque of Appreciation from the Philippine National Police as Most Supportive LGU in Region 6.

The award was given during the culmination program commemorating the 18th Police Commu- nity Relations Month last July 29, 2013 at Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City.

The award was given by PNP Regional Director PCSupt. Agrimero A. Cruz, Jr. assisted by Department of Tourism Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas and NaPol- Com Regional Direc-tor Atty. Marte Palomar to new Chief of Police PSupt. Victorino E. Roma-nillos.

PNP bestowed the award to the city in recognition of its constant support to the local police especially in accomplishing its goal in carrying out their impact projects including “Paaralan Mo, Mahal Ko ”, a school based project aimed at suppressing crime rate among school youth by promoting responsible citizenship thru conducts of sustainable and realistic activities in school every month.

Former Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Gregorio A. Santillan made a come-back to the position of City Administrator following his appointment to said position effective September 1, 2013.

Santillan was elected Sangguniang Panlungsod member in 1992-1995 and subsequently re-elected for another six years from 1995, completing his three terms in the Sanggunian in 2001.

During this break in his legislative service, he was appointed City Administrator on Nov. 21, 2002 until Jan. 4, 2004. Following his resignation from the post of City Adminis-trator, Santillan made another bid for the Sangguniang Panlungsod and was elected on July 1, 2004 where he served for two more terms later when he was re-elected to the SP in 2007-2010 and 2010-2013.

A Mechanical Engineer by profession, Santillan held the chairmanship of the Committee on Public Works & Engineering in the SP for 18 years.

Santillan finished his engineering degree from Far Eastern Aeronautics School now Far East Air Transport Incorporated (FEATI) University. He is married to Milagros Yuvienco and is blessed with 6 children Gwen, Wilbert, Magdalena, Grego-rio Jr., Carmel and Kristin. #

Santillan appointed City Administrator

Santillan

San Carlos City Most Supportive LGU to PNP

expenditures within its means.

The SP-elect who also took their oath were Rommel T. Debulgado, Christopher Paul S. Carmona, Victoriana C. Cabili, Hernan V. Antonio, Dickson N. Yu, Eddie L. Apuhin, Fleur de lis V. Mascuñana, Emmanuel J. Baguioro, Clint S. Mansueto and Jonie S. Uy. City Mayor Ginggo Valmayor takes oath as members of his family look on. City Vice Mayor Edgar Quisumbing with family.

Valmayor, Quisumbing, SPs take oath

(L-R, top) The newly constructed Barangay Health Center of Brgy. I funded by the city at P1,300,697 and Brgy. I at P300,0000 was inaugurated last May 8, 2013 while a summer tennis clinic followed the blessing of the P3.6M new clay surface tennis court last May 7. City Mayor Ginggo Valmayor said that the city is proud to have this new facility so that others have a chance to excel in lawn tennis just like football.(L-R, bottom) The city government’s continuous support to education has helped a lot in the development of schoolchildren according to Schools Division Supt. Cynthia Dimavivas during the blessing/inauguration of the newly renovated 3-classroom building at Lagha Elementary Sch., Brgy. Quezon costing P471,767 and the city’s P193,000 electrification project at Cabunao Elemen-tary Sch., Brgy. Palampas switched-on last July 17. Aside from these, City Mayor Valmayor also turned-over the P295,841 worth 4-seater comfort room of Codcod Elem. School, Brgy. Codcod.

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Newly completed projects

City officials, heads formulate 3-year ELACity officials, and department heads of

local and concerned national offices attended a three-day workshop on Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) and Capacity Development (CAPDEV) last August 6-8, 2013 at Carmel’s Inn to bring out a comprehensive 3-year development plan for the city and its people.

DILG Local Gov’t Operations Officer VI of Cadiz City Ma. Corazon Omero assisted by San Carlos City LGOO VI J Dignadice led participants in setting out goals and strategies in the various areas of development under administrative, social, economic, environmental and valuing funda-mentals in governance in conformity with the mission and vision statement of the city.

Omero discussed the importance of legislative programs and how it works in the actual implementation together with the administrative function of the local govern-ment.

Dignadice laid out preparatory measures in setting up relevant programs for each department through CAPDEV by teaching participants to carefully assess priority projects and gaps, enabling each program to become more functional and responsive to the needs of the constituency without wasting government funds or resources.

City Mayor Gerardo P. Valmayor, Jr. said that his administration has always been supportive to suitable projects and programs as long as financial capability allows and cited the newly created Law Enforcement

Since service to country and community is the basic duty of every girl scout, two girl scouts of Julio Ledesma National High School (JLNHS), Philline Grace Jaranilla and Jane Pauline Dolocanog, extended more effort to carry out this duty through community projects that made them qualified for Chief Girl Scout Medalist (CGMS) award. These two projects, a 2-seater comfort room at Brgy. 6 and beautification project of said barangay’s Daycare Center earned for them an evaluation by the Girl Scout of the Philippines Council last May 23, 2013 during the turn-over of said projects to Brgy. VI Captain Ronaldo Batusin through City Mayor Ginggo Valmayor.

During the short ceremony, the city mayor thanked them for their very useful contribution to the community and said that their noble deeds served as great

Community projects qualify 2 local girl scouts for highest award inspiration to the youth. Division Supt. Dimavivas assured them the highest honor, the Chief Girl Scout Medalist Award, to be given by no less than one of the P r e s i d e n t i a l sisters at Ma la c añan g Palace this October since their project qualified for said award. Scouters Philline Grace Jaranilla and Jane Pauline Dolocanog.

Team (LET) as a driving force to effect implementation of enacted laws and ordinances as part of development.

Both Dignadice and Omero projected the importance of integrating CAPDEV to

ELA to achieve unity among different branches in local governance for a well-balanced and effective implementation of sustainable programs and viable services for the benefit of the public.

Department heads, representatives of local gov’t. offices and concerned national agencies, and barangay officials during the ELA/CapDe v workshop.

DILG Operations Officer VI of Cadiz City Ma. Corazon Omero (left) assisted by San Carlos City LGOO VI J Dignadice (center) brief city officials and participants on the what, why and how of ELA.

Francisco B. Tolcidas, 68, ended his long service with the city g o v e r n m e n t when he succumbed to c a r d i a c arrest last July 21, 2013 in Cebu City.

N e c r o - logical rites were held by the city govern-ment while he lay in state at the City Hall on July 27 before he was laid to rest at the Memorial Park on July 28. A number of close friends and colleagues in the public and private sectors paid their last tributes to the late Tolcidas.

A Certified P u b l i c Accountant , Tolcidas served the city govern-ment for 32 years. He was elected City Councilor for 17 years within the years 1980 to 1998, appointed City Vice-Mayor for 45 days in 1992; appointed for one-and-a- half years as Project Manager I on contractual status in 1998-1999; City Budget Officer for four years from 1999 to 2004; Acting City Administrator for 6 months in 2004; and City Administrator for 9 years from 2004 to 2013.

Born on August 30, 1944, Tolcidas finished elementary education at Katingal-an Elem. School, Brgy. Buluangan in 1957 as third honor, completed high school at Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos, San Carlos City in 1961 as salutatorian, graduated Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Accounting at Colegio de San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu City in 1965 as summa cum laude, and passed the CPA board exams in 1966.

Tolcidas is survived by children Ma. Anecita, Francisco, Jr., Sergio II, Eufemio, and Ma. Lourdes.

Daughter Mary Ann receiving the Philippine flag from Mayor Ginggo Valmayor .

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By Sheryll Lou B. ParaguyaNORSU MassCom Intern

A P1.18 billion renewable energy farm of San Carlos Solar Energy Inc. (SaCaSoL) will rise at a 20-hectare land at the economic zone along the highway in Brgy. Punao before the end of 2013.

This was disclosed during the Public and Community Stakeholders’ Consultation held in Barangay Punao Covered Court on June 29, 2013 attended by barangay residents, city and barangay officials.

Anabelle Natividad, Project Manager of SACASOL with the help of Ma. Rosa Solis,

Ten beneficiaries (above left) of the city’s Homelot Program received their individual lot title last June 17, 2013 at the City Mayor’s Office after fully paying the monthly installment of their lots. The new lot owners are Ricardo Canoy, Virginia Calago, Eduardo Calago, Francisco Laguda, Melodia Oniot, Diosdado Pando, Marinella Dela Torre, Antonio Argonitas, Aquilina Ordoñez, and Visminda Jadormeo.

Meanwhile, as part of the city’s urban development and socialized housing programs, the city government bought 25,929 sq. m. lot at Brgy. Rizal (across Memorial Tree Park) worth P10.2 million . The deed of absolute sale was signed by City Mayor Gerardo P. Valmayor, Jr. and Augusto Villa last June 21, 2013 (above right).

Solar power plant to rise in SCC

Chevey Deo Celeste,11, of Tandang Sora Elem. School (3rd from left), and Shemrei Marabillo,10, of Ramon Magsaysay Elem. School (5th from left) are among the 22 delegates of the Philippine Football Federation undergoing a 3-week educational trip and training camp at Longborough, United Kingdom for PFF U-11 Boys category on August 23 to September 15, 2013.

The two were selected from try-outs at Javellana football grounds in Cebu City last July 15, 2013 where 8 booters represented San Carlos City while others came from other cities in Visayas, Mindanao, and National Capital Region.

Sports & Games Inspector John Carmona said that after the training in U K, the two players will be part of PFF’s Training Pool for 2019.

Carmona said the city government is giving all-out support to football and has made the city a favorite venue of PFF-sponsored leagues and encampments to scout potential players for the national team.

City Admin Tolcidas laid to rest

Francisco B. Tolcidas

San Carlos young booters off to UK for training

City distributes homelot titles; buys land for homelot program

Project Consultant, explained the project benefits, process flow and effects to the community particularly those residing near the project site.

Natividad said the two-phase solar farm will consist of approxi-mately 52,000 photovoltaic modules in the daily absorption of sunlight which will give an initial capacity of 13 MW in Phase 1 and a provision for an additional 7 MW in Phase 2. These photovoltaic technologies will convert the sunlight into electricity that will be stored in electrical grids where electricity can be routed from the point of generation to the point of use. The solar farm located along the highway in Barangay Punao next to a power substation.

Solis explained that since this will use only pure sunlight, no chemical wastes, odor nor sound discharge will be generated during its operation early next year.

Both Natividad and Solis assured the residents that this will not only give employment but also increase the availability of power supply that will benefit the people of San Carlos City but to the whole province of Negros.

SACASOL need more than 200 workers during construction and 80 full-time and part-time employees during its operation.

Brgy. Punao residents were pleased that SaCaSoL representatives deeply acknowledged their sentiments regarding the risks that their community will face during and after the construction.

SaCaSoL Project Manager Anabelle Natividad (left) explains the company’s project to city and barangay officials and barangay residents.

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SP Members-elect Christopher Paul S. Carmona (left), Rommel T. Debulgado (center) and Victoriana C. Cabili (right)

Arrival honors of the newly elected city officials by the San Carlos City PNP.

RTC 59 Executive Judge Hon. Kathrine A. Go administering oath of office of city officials.

City Mayor-elect Gerardo P. Valmayor, Jr. (top ) and City Vice Mayor-elect Edgardo B. Quisumbing (right) signing their oaths of office

Tribute Page 5

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Carlos City marked its first regular session on July 3, 2013 under the newly elected officials with the appointment of chairmen of its various committees.

At the same time, the two new SP Members, Dr. Emmanuel J.

SP Member Dickson N. Yu and SP Member Atty. Hernan V. Antonio

SP Member Fleur de lis V. Mascuñana SP Member Eddie L. Apuhin.

SP Member Jonie S. Uy and SP Member Engineer Clint S. MansuetoSP Member Dr. Emmanuel J. Baguioro

Baguioro and Clint S. Mansueto, were welcomed by the august body. Both delivered their “privileged speech” as part of the city’s legisla-tive body.

In reorganizing the various committees and their chairmanship, the new SP members were the responsibility relative to their profession. Dr. Baguioro chaired the Committee on Hospital Services and Committee on Health, Sanitation & Social Services. Engineer Mansueto chaired the Committee on Public Works, Engineering, Energy & Water System and the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction & Manage-ment.

The rest of the SP Members retained their previ-ous committee chairmanship of the previous term.

SP Member Rommel T. Debulgado heads the Committee on Environmental Protection & Natural Resources, and Committee on Human Rights & Public Welfare; SP Member Christopher Paul S. Carmona is still in-charge of the Committee on Market and Abattoir, and Committee on Public Utilities & Integrated Land Transport Terminal.

SP Member Victoriana C. Cabili retained her chairmanship of the Committee on Women & Family, and Committee on Senior Citizens & Veter-ans Affairs while SP Member Atty. Hernan V. Anto-nio, the only lawyer in the council, heads the Committee on Laws & Good Government, and Committee on Police Matters, Fire & Penology.

The Committee on Agriculture, and Committee on Finance, Budget & Appropriations are still under the chairmanship of SP Member Dickson N. Yu and the Committee on Labor and Personnel Affairs and Committee on Urban Development are still being chaired by SP Member Eddie L. Apuhin.

SP Member Fleur de lis V. Mascuñana, on the other hand. still heads the Committee on Education & Culture, Committee on Indigenous Cultural Community/Indigenous People, and Committee on Livelihood & Cooperatives.

SP Member Jonie S. Uy heads the Committee on Tourism, and Committee on Business, Trade & Industry while ABC President SP Mark E. Cui handles Barangay Affairs and SK Federation President SP Kayzelle Marie E. Durano holds the Committee on Youth & Sports Development.

SP Committee chairmanship named

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TOTAL GENERAL FUND SEF TRUST FUNDCash Flows from Operating Activities:

Cash Inflows:

Collections from taxpayers P 38,745,831.31 P 28,320,662.99 P 10,425,168.32 P - Share from Internal Revenue Collections 220,281,498.00 220,281,498.00 - - Receipts from sale of goods or services 78,214,857.47 78,214,857.47 - - Interest Income 2,889,421.95 2,877,132.43 12,289.52 - Other Receipts 200,895,148.09 134,586,271.39 11,572.92 66,297,303.78 Total Cash Inflow P 541,026,756.82 P 464,280,422.28 P 10,449,030.76 P 66,297,303.78

Cash Outflows:

Payments -

To suppliers/creditors P 122,428,596.48 P 110,964,146.27 P 1,188,459.83 P 10,275,990.38 To employees 76,032,353.33 69,489,564.92 3,721,140.44 5,354,328.58 Other Expenses 264,883,623.77 215,446,740.61 322,460.60 49,114,422.56 Total Cash Outflow P 465,877,254.19 P 395,900,451.80 P 5,232,060.87 P 64,744,741.52

Net Cash from Operating Activities P 75,149,502.63 P 68,379,970.48 P 5,216,969.89 P 1,552,562.26

Cash flows from investing activities:

Cash Inflows:

From Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment P 900.00 P 900.00 P - P - From Collection of Principal on Loans to Other Entities 304,306.50 304,306.50 - - Total Cash Inflows P 305,206.50 P 305,206.50 P - P -

Cash Outflows:

To purchase Property, Plant & Equipment P 94,472,270.25 P 78,929,512.78 P - P 15,542,757.47 To Grant/Make Loans to Other Entities 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 - Total Cash Outflow P 95,472,270.25 P 79,929,512.78 P - P 15,542,757.47

Net Cash From Investing Activities (95,167,063.75) (79,624,306.28) - (15,542,757.47)

Net Decrease in Cash P (20,017,561.12) P (11,244,335.80) P 5,216,969.89 P (13,990,195.21)

Cash Balance - January 1, 2013 483,482,306.52 404,210,696.34 6,879,267.53 72,392,342.65

Cash balance - June 30, 2013 P 463,464,745.40 P 392,966,360.54 P 12,096,237.42 P 58,402,147.44

Prepared by: Certified Correct:

(SGD) JOSE VENFORT L. LEGARIA (SGD) LEONILA C. YBAÑEZ Mgt. and Audit Analyst IV City Govt. Asst. Dept Head I, OIC

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSFor the Period Ended June 30, 2013

Republic of the PhilippinesProvince of Negros Occidental

City of San Carlos

CONSOLIDATED

TOTAL GENERAL FUND SEF TRUST FUNDCash Flows from Operating Activities:

Cash Inflows:

Collections from taxpayers P 38,745,831.31 P 28,320,662.99 P 10,425,168.32 P - Share from Internal Revenue Collections 220,281,498.00 220,281,498.00 - - Receipts from sale of goods or services 78,214,857.47 78,214,857.47 - - Interest Income 2,889,421.95 2,877,132.43 12,289.52 - Other Receipts 200,895,148.09 134,586,271.39 11,572.92 66,297,303.78 Total Cash Inflow P 541,026,756.82 P 464,280,422.28 P 10,449,030.76 P 66,297,303.78

Cash Outflows:

Payments -

To suppliers/creditors P 122,428,596.48 P 110,964,146.27 P 1,188,459.83 P 10,275,990.38 To employees 76,032,353.33 69,489,564.92 3,721,140.44 5,354,328.58 Other Expenses 264,883,623.77 215,446,740.61 322,460.60 49,114,422.56 Total Cash Outflow P 465,877,254.19 P 395,900,451.80 P 5,232,060.87 P 64,744,741.52

Net Cash from Operating Activities P 75,149,502.63 P 68,379,970.48 P 5,216,969.89 P 1,552,562.26

Cash flows from investing activities:

Cash Inflows:

From Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment P 900.00 P 900.00 P - P - From Collection of Principal on Loans to Other Entities 304,306.50 304,306.50 - - Total Cash Inflows P 305,206.50 P 305,206.50 P - P -

Cash Outflows:

To purchase Property, Plant & Equipment P 94,472,270.25 P 78,929,512.78 P - P 15,542,757.47 To Grant/Make Loans to Other Entities 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 - Total Cash Outflow P 95,472,270.25 P 79,929,512.78 P - P 15,542,757.47

Net Cash From Investing Activities (95,167,063.75) (79,624,306.28) - (15,542,757.47)

Net Decrease in Cash P (20,017,561.12) P (11,244,335.80) P 5,216,969.89 P (13,990,195.21)

Cash Balance - January 1, 2013 483,482,306.52 404,210,696.34 6,879,267.53 72,392,342.65

Cash balance - June 30, 2013 P 463,464,745.40 P 392,966,360.54 P 12,096,237.42 P 58,402,147.44

Prepared by: Certified Correct:

(SGD) JOSE VENFORT L. LEGARIA (SGD) LEONILA C. YBAÑEZ Mgt. and Audit Analyst IV City Govt. Asst. Dept Head I, OIC

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSFor the Period Ended June 30, 2013

Republic of the PhilippinesProvince of Negros Occidental

City of San Carlos

CONSOLIDATED

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Official publication of the City Government of San Carlos, Negros Occidental published quarterly by the Information Office,

City Hall, San Carlos City

BRENDA KYAMKO-QUISIDO - EditorRONILLO M. NANALABE, EDDIE FLOR C. SILVA, RYAN R. SAMSON, BONG H. REQUIERON, - News WritersNOEL S. MONDRAGON - Layout ArtistDOMINGO N. SECHICO - Photographer

ENGR. GREGORIO A. SANTILLAN - City AdministratorEditorial Consultant

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San Carlos Pedicab Operators and Drivers Association, Inc. (SCAPODA) headed by Zosimo Quiño gratefully accepted the 10 new pedicabs from Ang Kasangga Partylist through the city government in coordination with Cooperatives and Livelihood Development Office (CLDO) last June 3, 2013 at the City Hall lobby.

Ang Kasangga Secretary General, former City Mayor Bong Lacson, now Vice Governor-elect of the province, exerted efforts to materialize said donations to SCAPODA. Kasangga has given SCAPODA a total of more than P300,000.00 worth of pedicabs including spare parts, cost of repairs and repainting of old units since last year.

City provides employment/livelihood opportunities to disadvantaged youth

SCAPODA receives new pedicabs from Kasangga

A wig factory, ArtNature Manufacturing Philippines, Inc., is now operating at Vasconia, Brgy. Palampas, this city.

The Japanese-owned company, a subsidiary of ArtNature Inc. of Tokyo, Japan, started operations last June 2013 and is run by staff from its main plant in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

Wig factory now operates in the city

Training workshop on Abaca Twining & Braiding kept various groups fromdifferent barangays for four days at the Pavilion, People’s Park last July 16-19, 2013.

The Cooperatives & Livelihood Devel-opment Office (CLDO) coordinated with Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) and the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) to bring said training to eager participants who were also taught how to make varied commercial products out of twined and braided abaca through Jesuslito Benemerito of Brgy. Guadalupe who is the focal person of the local abaca industry and

The key to progress depends on knowing how to use the skills from trainings provided by the government according to Thelma Tubungan, Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Specialist/Cash for Training Program Focal Person during the culmina-tion last July 16, 2013 of the Cash for Work Training of 40 disadvantaged youth of the city who are TESDA scholars.

The 20 scholars for Automotive & Driving and 20 scholars for Housekeeping Service underwent training for 55 days starting April 8. Final assessment for Housekeeping was done at La Consolacion College, Bacolod City while that of Automotive & Driving was done by TESDA. Only 39 passed and received the National Certificate or NC II.

CSWD Officer Cynthia Mirande said that it was their office that determined the unem-ployed youth as disadvantaged to qualify for said program of DSWD jointly with TESDA. She added that scholars received P20,000 each under DSWD’s Cash for Work Training program. In addition, automotive & driving scholars also received tool kits worth P6,000.

Skills training was provided by Universal School for Applied Technology, Regional Training Center in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

Livelihood groups learn abaca twining, braiding

a member of the San Carlos City Craft Arts & Food Association.

CLDO Senior Cooperatives Develop-ment Specialist Raymund Gepitulan said that a promising future awaits the abaca industry since there is a present demand for raw materials from abaca fiber in both domestic and national market for various products and that the city government has shown full support to abaca plantation and production being an endemic specie in the city

Students from Negros Occidental High School, Bacolod City attended said work-shop to observe the actual production of several products using abaca twines and braids like waste baskets, bags, hats, place-mats and others.for their investigatory project.

Housekeeping training (left) and distribution of tool kits to automotive scholars.

Production Div. Senior Manager Albert Aguinaldo said that they chose San Carlos City as their Batangas plant extension because they find the city very conducive to such work and mostly because of the city’s peace and order situation.

He added that since the company is Japanese owned, a Japanese technology in production is employed for the fashionable Japanese market while raw materials come from India and China. Aguinaldo also said that they don’t use chemicals in production and waste

materials are purely solid where disposal is easy. The company now trains workers in hand webbing and ventilation

for 6 months, until December this year, under the supervision of four trainers from Batangas and expected to produce 300 skilled workers with 500 pieces of finished wigs which will be shipped to Batangas for final touches before delivery to its headquarters in Japan.

Left photo shows Production Div. Senior Manager Albert Aguinaldo (right) during interview by Tribute team; right photo shows wig workers at work.

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For the first time, the city celebrated Disaster Consciousness Month with the theme “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan,” from July 8-28, 2013 through the City Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (CDRRMO).

As an environmentally compliant city responsive to the tough challenges of global issues on environmental awareness and protection, the city government created the City Environment Management Office (CEMO), a department solely for environ-mental concern, enacted through City Ordinance No. 13-07 last June 20, 2013, amending Ordinance No. 13-01, entitled, “An Ordinance Creating the City Environ-ment Management Office (CEMO) and Providing for its Tasks, Functions, Person-nel, and Appropriation Thereof and for Other Purposes By Providing for the Changing of Names of Position Titles”.

Divisions under CEMO are Integrated Waste Management/Pollution Control; Watershed, Parks, Protected Areas, Wildlife & Forestry; Coastal Resource Management; Regulatory Division; Climate Change Division; and Administrative Support Services.

The CEMO handles all sustainable measures including present and future programs and projects related to the effective and efficient preservation, protec-tion, promotion and enhancement of the ecological balance and the environment of San Carlos City.

Following the creation were various personnel movement and assignments. Supervising Environmental Management Specialist Loreto Sanchez of Solid Waste Management Office, was designated Officer-in-Charge of CEMO effective July 1, 2013 to carry out measures in implement-ing and ensuring the delivery of basic services and providing adequate facilities relative to environment and natural resources services as provided for under Section 17 of RA 7160 and SP Ordinance No. 13-01.

Several employees under the City Agriculturist’s Office were reassigned to CEMO through Memo Order No. 48 issued by the City Mayor last July 8, 2013. They are Senior Agriculturist Edward P. Burgos, Aquaculturist Technologist Winston T. Alvarez, Agriculturist II Julius L. Galan, Agricultural Technologist Manuel J. Broce, Jr. and Computer Operator I Lady Jullyn A. Gabutina.

During the city’s celebration of Environ-ment Week last June 17-23, City Mayor Gerardo P. Valmayor, Jr. informed the public of the creation of CEMO.

He said that through this office the environment will be taken cared of, from the grasses of the mountains down to the seas or “from the weeds to the reefs,” and that this is also one way of putting everyone’s acts together to make the city a better place to live.

City celebrates first Disaster Consciousness Month City sets up Environment Management OfficeThe various activities began with the signing of commitment by the city government and

various rescue groups in the city like San Carlos City Organized Rescuers for Community Assistance, Inc., San Carlos Rescue Volunteers, Rescue 711, Kabalikat Civicom, San Carlos Rescue Unit, Inc. -Phil. Coast-guard Auxiliary, and San Carlos City Filipino-Chinese Volun-teer Fire Fighters, Inc., followed by the blessing of new CDRRMO medical and rescue tools and equipment some of which were donated to Bureau of Fire Protection ( left) like 2

gated Y connectors, 2 piston grip nozzles, 2 folding stretchers, 12 first aid kits, 2 axes, 1 sledgehammer, 3 sleep-ing bags, 2 coolers and 3 canopy tents.

Also held was a 5-day Standard First Aid & Basic Life Support Training of 30 city government employees, July 8-12 as emergency responders during calamities and emergen-cies especially in the workplace and within

their areas of residences. On July 15 CDRRMO conducted a fire

safety drill and orientation on the basic disaster risk reduction and management at the barangays.

An orientation on utilization of disaster fund was also conducted among various barangay officials and personnel last July 22 while National Telecommunications Commission staff also conducted training on proper usage of handheld radios to 61 emergency responders, rescuers and barangay personnel last July 26. Poster Making Contest and Quiz Bowl were held among various elementary schools with Ramon Magsaysay Elem. School winning both events. Other winners are Florentina Ledesma and Pagbatangan Elem.

Schools, second and third placers, respectively, in Poster Making Contest; Pagbatangan and San Jose Elem. Schools, second and third placers, respectively, in Quiz Bowl.

Five high schools competed in Rescue Olympics with Julio Ledesma Nat’l. High School winning first place, Bagonbon Nat’l. High School, second place and Quezon Nat’l. High School, third place. First Aid Kits and Certifi-cates of Appreciation were given to all winners.

The thrust of said activities is to make the city a disaster-resilient city.

Secondary school students show skills in rescue during rescue competition.

Judges: (clockwise) Oleg- ario Aranez, Hans dela Victoria, Greg Santillan, Charlemagne Sumilhig

Quizbowl judges: Dr. Arniel Portuguez and Arnold Palma

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The No Plastic Day program prohibiting the use of plastic bags and wrappers among vendors at the public market took effect on August 11, 2013, Sunday, and will continue every Sundays thereafter until December this year .

E n v i r o n m e n t Specialist Arthur Batomalaque said that as of 2012, non-recyclable

A group of massage therapists who called themselves San Carlos City Massage Therapists Association in coordination with the Cooperatives Livelihood Development Office (CLDO) launched a 3-day Massage festival at the city hall transforming the ambiance of the SP Session Hall into a soothing wellness spa last July 29 to 31, 2013.

The members who are professionally trained in Swedish, Shiatsu and Ventosa massage by massage therapists of Body & Sole Spa, Cebu City through various massage trainings sponsored by the city in various barangays delighted clients with their soothing full body massage for free.

According to Edith Dano, association president, their group was able to collect P6,247 in donations from the 122 clients who availed of their free services in the 3-day massage festival which they will use to register their newly organized group with the Securities & Exchange Commission and

Internationally renowned balladeer David Pomeranz seized the hearts of Sancarloseños during his concert at the City Auditorium with stand-up comedian/actress Giselle Sanchez last July 23, 2013 sponsored by the city and Pintaflores Foundation, Inc.

It’s the first time that the city had an international singer for a one-night live concert. Pomeranz put a spell on the audience with his songs Got to Believe in Magic, Born For You, On this

Day, If You Walked Away, King & Queen of Hearts, Barry Manillow‘s The Old Song, Chicago’s You’re the Inspiration, Bob Dylan’s Blowing in the Wind and the Beatles’ Get Back, and more. He also overwhelmed the crowd when he played the guitar and keyboards as live accompaniment for some of his songs. Aside from singing and composing music, Pomeranz is also active in writing stage plays. He is an Ambassador of Operation Smile, a charity organization extending free reconstructive surgery on children with facial deformities (cleft lip, cleft palate, others) around the world.

Local massage group extends free massage

Local massage therapists at work.

Department of Labor and Employment.“Ultimately making San Carlos City a

massage city is something this group aimed at,” said Dano who enthused that the 25 members of their group can perform Swed-ish, Shiatsu and Ventosa massage or a combination of these with utmost care and dedication that their group’s slogan is “Mas-sage with Passion”.

Aside from the trainings provided by Body & Sole Spa of Cebu City, the group also plans on tapping experts from Iloilo City on hilot and wellness using herbs and other organic materials through the

assistance of CLDO, Dano revealed. She added that their group is open to

individuals in the city, 18-45 yrs. old, who practice reflexology and other forms of massage therapy so there will be a pool of therapists in one group and that their vice- president and in-house senior trainer Nanay Calinawagan is also continuously providing training to interested individuals.

Swedish, Shiatsu and Ventosa massage tone and detoxify the skin, relieve muscle pains and tensions, balance energy in the body, aid in blood circulation and lymphatic blockages, and stimulate the nerve system.

CEMO effects No Plastic Day; launches search for Most Environment Friendly Vendor

plastic wastes at the city’s landfill area has already reached more than 36 thousand kilos or an average of 100 kilos per day. He said that since the wet market is one area which uses plastics in bulk daily it became their main target as other areas like vegetable and dry goods sections are easier to control.

He added that this scheme provides adequate time for the Committee on Environmental Protection & Natural Resources under SP Rommel Debulgado to study the effect of said program especially in

the drafting of ordinances for its full imple-mentation later on.

Imposing the “No Plastic Day” policy at the wet market of the city is one massive job for the City Environment Management Office (CEMO) and to win the cooperation of vendors at the public market CEMO, thru its Integrated Waste Management Division, launched the “Search for Most Environment Friendly Vendor” last August 5, 2013 at the public market atrium.

Participating vendors at the meat and fish

sections compete for the title based on the criteria: health and sanitation, 20 percent; solid waste manage-ment, 40 percent; information education campaign, 30 percent; and bonus points, 10 percent. Each month until December a winner will be proclaimed and awarded with grocery

items. In December the scores of each monthly winner will be summed up to deter-mine the grand winner. Prizes are 22” flat screen LED tv for first prize; home theater for second prize; and 1 stand fan for third prize while consolation prizes of P500 worth of groceries will be given to non-winners.

Said contest enable vendors to be innova-tive in handling their waste properly and promote to their customers the non-plastic use policy and the use of basket, “bayong” or fish nets when buying fish or meat.

David Pomeranz live in San Carlos

CEMO staff, assisted by PMSD head Ma. Stella Mamac (with microphone, right photo)

Mayor Ginggo Valmayor chats with Giselle Sanchez and David Pomeranz at his office.